We lack power: AOC

Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates has written to federal Sports Minister Rod Kemp expressing concern about the AOC's lack of power to properly investigate drugs claims involving champion hammer thrower Stuart Rendell, ABC TV's Four Corners said last night. Coates suggested setting up a sports doping ombudsman with greater powers to investigate cases. In May 1999, customs seized a package of protein supplements sent to Rendell from the US, suspecting it of containing prohibited substances. Last June, Athletics Australia said there was insufficient evidence to conclude that Rendell had breached doping codes.

SOCCER

Rome derby called off

Rome: The derby between Roma and Lazio was abandoned just after half-time on Sunday after rumours spread around the Olympic Stadium that a young boy had been killed outside the ground. After consulting with the players the referee stopped the game for the sake of public order with the score 0-0.

CRICKET

Fleming ends wait

Auckland: A six by captain Stephen Fleming ended 72 years of waiting for New Zealand as the Kiwis pulled off their first home Test victory against South Africa yesterday. New Zealand dismissed the Proteas for 349 in the second innings and made their 51-run target for the loss of one wicket.

CRICKET

England trio lead way

Port of Spain: Graham Thorpe (81 not out), Mark Butcher (61) and Nasser Hussain (58) led England to 6-300 - replying to the West Indies' 208 - at the close of the third day of the second Test in Trinidad on Sunday.

SURFING

Jellyfish pounds Ezra

Hawaiian Ezra Sitt went into shock and received emergency treatment after a bluebottle wrapped its tentacles around his face, neck, torso and legs at the EnergyAustralia Open at Newcastle Beach yesterday.

Organisers called off round-two heats for the day.

SOCCER

Pompey live in hope

London: Portsmouth gave their Premier League survival hopes a huge boost on Sunday with a 1-0 victory over bitter rivals Southampton at Fratton Park.

BOXING

Green sick: Fenech

Trainer Jeff Fenech said yesterday Danny Green had been diagnosed with a viral infection after showing signs of distress in his bout with New Zealander Sean Sullivan on Sunday.

TENNIS

Federer goes well

Indian Wells, California: Roger Federer overpowered Tim Henman 6-3, 6-3 in the final of the Indian Wells tournament on Sunday. Justine Henin-Hardenne claimed her fourth WTA title of the year with a 6-1, 6-4 win over Lindsay Davenport.